White Lion Cubs

Not your typical house cat! | Source

White Lion Male & Cubs

Most Expensive or Most Exploited?

I have always been an animal lover, this is true - all animals - all kinds, especially animal babies, who hold a special place in my heart. I have also had a tendency to favor cats, maybe it's their independent nature, or perhaps their smaller size made them a preferable companion for an apartment dweller. So it is no surprise that the minute I viewed these adorable little white lion cubs, with crystal bright blue eyes, I fell in love. I soon learned however -- that these exotic babies are far from your average house cat. These regal cuties fetch a hefty $138,000 and come from South Africa, where some locals still view them as the magical and divine creatures that they truly are!

Unfortunately, as with many creatures that are now considered extinct, the White Lions of South Africa have been hunted to extinction and are currently being bred almost purely for canned hunting trophies. As an advocate for the White Lions, Linda Tucker, the founder of The Global White Lion Protection Trust and author of "The Mystery of the White Lions: Children of the Sun God", has brought well needed attention to this cause. She has made it her life's mission to reintroduce the White Lions into the wild and safeguard their future. She has furthered our knowledge of the White Lion's plight through various educational events and implemented community development programs in an effort to further scientific research.

Since Linda Tucker established the Global White Lion Protection Trust in 2002, she has rescued one White Lioness and her three cubs from a zoo and successfully released them into a special reserve.Though Marah, the Lioness, died in 2007, her cubs have gone on to form two healthy prides with three new cubs, the first born outside captivity since 1991. Tucker is currently working with her partner and ecologist Jason Turner as well as American geneticists to determine the gene that could get the White Lion placed on the endangered species list. At the 2009 World Wilderness Congress in Mexico, 54 Countries passed a resolution that they should be protected, so hopes are high!

One Day Old Rare White Lion Cubs in Serbia

Snuggling sleepily together, the bundles of fluff look more like lambs than lions with their snow white fur, but will soon grow into majestic kings and queens of the jungle like their mother. | Source

Day old white Lion cubs lie next to their mother Sumba in their enclosure at Belgrade's Zoo in Serbia. The newborns are extremely rare subspecies of the African Lion. A day old and they have become an instant sensation and the zoo's greatest attracti | Source

Interesting White Lion Facts

White Lions are not albinos, rather a genetic rarity The white color is caused by a recessive gene known as chinchilla or color inhibitor .
Their color varies from blonde to near white.

White Lions were thought to be just a legend until 1938, evident in ancient paintings stretching back 15,000 years

The unique White Lion gene is carried by certain of the Tawny Lions in the region, and White Cubs occurred in numerous prides

There are only an estimated 300 - 500 White Lions worldwide - all in captivity except a recent addition thanks to Linda Tucker's tireless dedication

Their striking appearance, once worshiped has now marked them out as hunting trophies worth tens of thousands of dollars. Often drugged and baited into a fenced area, these beautiful animals become sitting targets who suffer agonizing and senseless deaths

A further struggle the White Lion faces is due to the genetic code Panthera leo which marks them as a subspecies that has not yet been discovered so they are not even on the list of endangered species

The idea that White Lions are genetically inferior to ordinary tawny lions has not been scientifically tested

The idea that White Lions cannot survive in the wild due to perceived inability to camouflage has also not been scientifically tested

Sadly, there is no current law, nationally or internationally that protects the White Lions from being wiped off the face of the earth

Rare White Lion Cub

Mystery of the White Lion

Children of the Sun | Source

Faded Hieroglyphs by Zayra Yves

This poem is a surreal and exceptionally powerful poem that explores tribal and ancestral belief systems, and highlights the respect and awe that lions once had.

“There are eternal images somewhere I have been in my dreams.I long to return to the sands where lions roam,sit as sun statues and roar in the night winds.I have heard them singing of golden rings,of fire in my belly, while ashes and petals blew in the alleyswith yesterday's news.Red with ceremony was the lightand women's bodies did not hardenas they stood in the shadows watching winos communewith jackals and the children play with paper sails.Among the kohl eyes and black draped womenshopping in the bizarre, I long to wander freeas a winged creature in the shape of a hieroglyph,in the shape of mystery, in the curve of linen…I long to see the women in the streetswho speak to me from their eyes;hear them as they say:Welcome home my sister, my brother.I feel their presence now and know that we are one.If this life is fragile and we are often too easily broken,then let today be the day we celebrate love,so beautifully transparent with its perfumes and melancholy vines.Follow me to where the lions roam freeand give over your weary heart to rest in mine.Come with me to the gates of magicwhere the mountains have namesare celebrated for their wisdomalive in the whispering winds of grace.I long to be once again in pristine gardens,in God's countrylistening to the wild things speak.Walk with me now where destiny is written in the starsand your ancestors sing your song back to you soyou will remember who you are.Let us be where the journey is lovingwhere the tribesmen know secrets we have forgotten.Come with me now where the white lions are walking.I have heard them calling your name.”

Animal Survivors of Japan TsunamiThe devastation that occurred in Japan is hard to imagine, much less endure as I try to picture what survival looks like for these victims, both human and animal. This piece focuses on the amazing animal survivors and all who made their rescue and re

Because all children learn differently, it is more important than ever that parents become involved, focusing on their child's strengths & building confidence, not projecting worry and doubt!

Comments 48 comments

Raimer Gel 2 years ago

they are better in the wild than in captivity.

Chatkath 4 years ago from California Author

Thanks for taking the time to comment DRG Da Real Grinc! I am sorry to say that you may be right! I still love them though, all cats - all sizes, all colors!

DRG Da Real Grinc 4 years ago from All over the USA

King of the jungles that are no more.

Chatkath 4 years ago from California Author

Well thank you for your visit princess, I must agree, they are so adorable! Appreciate your comments!

princesswithapen 4 years ago

The picture of the white Lion cub has to be one of the cutest things I've seen in a while!

Neha 5 years ago

so cute................... awesome

Chatkath 5 years ago from California Author

Thanks so much for visiting Eiddwen, they are such special kitties, it is hard to understand how some can disrespect this beautiful species and all that they represent!!! I guess the almighty dollar strikes again.

I do appreciate your comments so!

Eiddwen 5 years ago from Wales

What an amazing hub Chatkath and a must to be bookmarked plus to vote up.

Take care

Eiddwen.

quester.ltd 5 years ago

They are beautiful! You are correct the canned hunts need to be stopped. I don't mind someone hunting for food - but not for trophies!

thanks for the follow

q

Chatkath 5 years ago from California Author

Thank you quester.ltd - I always love to hear from fellow animal lovers. I must admit I knew nothing about these guys other than they are cute cubs that grow into a magnificent lion! Then I started reading about these canned hunts which absolutely make me sick - that anyone can find pleasure in such a cowardly act. This is why I believe in karma so strongly-however, I will also take every opportunity I can to put these practices out of commission for good. Thanks so much for your visit!

quester.ltd 5 years ago

thank you for the time and research that it took to bring these awesome animals to us - the 'hunting' as you described, in my opinion, is done by cowards who could not face a wild animal in a natural setting.

Thank you,, again, for bring to mind these marvelous animals.

q

Chatkath 5 years ago from California Author

Thank you kitty, that is what interested me initially is that they are so adorable-not real fond of any kind of hunting, especially something so planned - what complete cowards!

I am glad you came by! Good to see you.

kittythedreamer 5 years ago from the Ether

I voted this cute hub up and beautiful! Though it is sad to think that people could be hunting these gorgeous creatures and that there are no real laws to protect them from the sometimes cruel hands of man. Boo! Two thumbs down on that idea.

They truly are remarkable, though. I learned some interesting things here about white lions, specifically about the fact that they're not albino...I wouldn't have thought about that! Great job.

Chatkath 5 years ago from California Author

Thanks Sandy, I know what you mean, they are so incredibly cute! I would love to be able to interact with these beautiful animals... I am glad you had a chance to check out the hub!

sandylongman 5 years ago

Great informative hub!! If I could take a white Lion Cub home I would!!!

Chatkath 5 years ago from California Author

Thanks for commenting Melissa, from what I understand, you are right, The White Lion gene is carried by some of the Tawny Lions and White Cubs occur randomly in their prides - I think they are considered a sub species.

Breeding and re-releasing them is a very controversial subject indeed and I don't see any benefit to doing this unless they are released to a special reserve of some sort. The thing that I am really opposed to for any animal is breeding for the purpose of cruel canned hunting programs. I appreciate your feedback & knowledge on the subject! Thank you for sharing.

Melissa A Smith 5 years ago from New York

I don't believe these lions are of another species. I'm not sure what the value is of dedicating breeding programs to re-releasing them. Habitat is decreasing for even 'regular' lions and releases aren't currently possible. I find the idea of releasing white lions fishy.

Chatkath 5 years ago from California Author

Thank you so much for commenting Waqxi, I know exactly what you mean, I love animal babies especially...to a fault, I would also bring them all home if I could get away with it!

waxi 5 years ago

I love this hub because you have a special heart for animal babies and so do I . I wish I could bring them home and pamper them with candies baby animals are great joy of nature

thanks for the lovely hub

Waqxi

P.S I also favor cats :)

Chatkath 5 years ago from California Author

Thank you so much Eiddwen, it is such a pleasure to see you and read your incredible comments. Definitely made my day! Talk with you soon.

Eiddwen 5 years ago from Wales

Oh Chatkath, this is beautiful, I love everything to do with nature/wilflife/animals,and I push all the buttons plus bookmark.

Here's to many more hubs to share.

Take care

Eiddwen.

Chatkath 5 years ago from California Author

Thank you so much LC, I was really impressed with her too, she must have devoted so much time to studying these Lions!! I would love to do something like that, so interesting. I am glad you came by and read about these guys!

Lucky Cats 5 years ago from The beautiful Napa Valley, California

Absolutely beautiful, CK! So wonderful! What exotic cats..and Linda Tucker...what a fabulous woman! Thank you for sharing the information and videos with us. Very very valuable to know! UP BEAUTIFUL AWESOME USEFUL YES YES YES!!!!!

Chatkath 5 years ago from California Author

Thanks Dovay- I love your new avatar too, also very cute....

Dovay Lee 5 years ago from China

Really cute, i like them

Chatkath 5 years ago from California Author

Thank you Eiddwen, I so appreciate your visit and your comment!

Eiddwen 5 years ago from Wales

A beautiful hub and thank you so much for sharing.

Take care

Eiddwen.

Chatkath 5 years ago from California Author

Thank you toknowinfo-I am so glad that you had a chance to check out these unusual lions!

toknowinfo 5 years ago

Thanks for this information. I really learned a lot about white lion cubs. In fact I never knew there was such a thing, except as albinos. Thanks for clearing this up. I am very impressed with this hub. I appreciate the knowledge. Rated up and awesome.

Nell Rose 5 years ago from England

Hi, they are gorgeous, I just mentioned on another hub about the Lion Man in New Zealand, I was watching his TV programme and he has some white lions there, where he is protecting them as well, rated up, beautiful, cheers nell

Chatkath 5 years ago from California Author

Hi Denise-they are so cute aren't they? I had no idea they were so controversial or expensive!?

Denise Handlon 5 years ago from North Carolina

How adorable. I want to cuddle those cute little cubs!

Great hub. You are right, the poem is powerful. Gave me goosebumps reading it. Thanks for sharing.

Chatkath 5 years ago from California Author

Thank you my fellow cute kitty lover! Give your babies a big hug ^_^

epigramman 5 years ago

...well my fine fine friend you always do a world class job of research and presentation with all of your hubs - and I just don't say that because I am surrounded by two little white lions of my own -the Tiffy woman and the Gabe man - lol lol lol - you show so much compassion and concern in everything you write and that makes it an engaging and enlightening read for your followers .....

Purple Perl 5 years ago from Bangalore,India

Thanks for sharing. I was not aware of this.

kashmir56 5 years ago from Massachusetts

Hi Chatkath, I love lions they are very beautiful animals and these white ones are very enchanting ! Loved all the pictures and videos !

Awesome and vote up !!!!

cardelean 5 years ago from Michigan

What a beautiful animal. I don't think I really knew that they existed. Thanks for sharing this information, I really enjoyed it. Great hub!

Chatkath 5 years ago from California Author

Thank you Neon_Letters, I must agree, the White Lion is such a beautiful creature but I didn't realize that they were and still are actually worshiped! Thanks for stopping in!

Neon_Letters 5 years ago

White lion sound mythical they look awesome too.

Chatkath 5 years ago from California Author

Thanks Katie- Yes they are definitely little treasures alright! ;-)

Thanks for commenting Sharyn, I appreciate your input ^-^

Sharyn's Slant 5 years ago from Northeast Ohio USA

What a great, informative hub CK. Thank you for bringing this to your readers! Great addition to the Weekly HubMob!!!

katiem2 5 years ago from I'm outta here

Now that's a lot of money but I go all soft when it comes to warm and fuzzy living breathing animals, they are such a treasure. I just hope the lion cubs are healthy and happy. Thanks for the great story. :) Katie

Chatkath 5 years ago from California Author

Thank you Alicia for commenting - I never realized that there is so much controversy and cruelty with these beautiful cats!

AliciaC 5 years ago from British Columbia, Canada

Thank you for a beautiful hub and for publicizing the state and problems of the white lion population. It would be very sad to lose them from the world. I loved the videos as well.

Chatkath 5 years ago from California Author

Thanks ravko, I know they are adorable, that's one reason why I wrote about them, I want to play with the babies-(Not the parents);-)

ravko 5 years ago

What a beautiful lion, those babies are so cute and cuddly looking...It's no wonder their so expensive...

Chatkath 5 years ago from California Author

Thank you R - I know, I was initially blown away by the price and by how beautiful they are, I didn't realize they were practically extinct. Thank you for commenting!